Escape Routes: The Ultimate Social Reality Adventure

It’s not too many times in your life when you actually get asked to audition for a reality show, but that’s exactly what happened last week. A casting producer for the upcoming Escape Routes contacted me and while at first I didn’t think it was feasible, the more I learned about it, the more I realized it would be a monumental mistake not to.

Escape Routes is officially season 2 of a Ford sponsored, web based, reality/adventure show that deeply integrates social media into the mix. The show is broadcast on Hulu, and last season was featured on the Jimmy Kimmel show and promoted heavily pre Super Bowl.

Once notified, I watched all of last season, and I have to say that I was genuinely impressed on how they leveraged social media, and how it played such an integral part of the show. Users had the ability to choose which team they wanted to side with, and interact with them throughout the show and its challenges. Followers were actually able to not only win prizes themselves, but help contestants with their specific challenges.

I can see how this investment is a wise one by Ford, especially with the growing trend towards original programming originating online rather then through traditional broadcast channels. So needless to say, I grew more excited by the prospect of being considered for the show. I auditioned last week and had a great experience. Between my love and experience of social media, competitiveness, and ability to make a fool of myself, I’m no doubt what they are looking for, and I have a tremendous partner in crime @melissayeager1, one of my very best friends who brings a combination of competitiveness, social savvy, and a do whatever it takes attitude that make us an unbeatable team. If you aren’t already, be sure to follow her as well!

I’m going to do something I rarely do. Ask my readers and followers to support our campaign by doing any or all of the following in order of preference:

3. Leave a comment on this post so that I may personally thank you for your support.

You may be asking yourself why bother? Fair response. Most of you may not. But it would be tremendously appreciated if you took the moment to do any of the above to give myself a better chance. As an added incentive and to make it more fun, leave a comment with your best embarrassing (but family friendly!) idea for me to film. I will take the best ideas, create a poll, and the winning submission I will post here on my blog in the next few weeks.

Hello Jason,
Congratulations for auditioning for the Escape routes show. I was also contacted to try out, but I get sick if there’s too much motion in the bath tub.

I’m happy to help with any social media attention because I realize that’s a big part of the game.

So, for an embarrassing moment idea…

I was contacted because they were looking for a mixed martial arts fighter (or someone like me who trains like one). You look like a rugged dude. What about going into an MMA gym and (play) sparring with one of the guys or gals – or you could do Brazilian jiu jitsu with someone.

Of course, you would want to choose someone — maybe one of the instructors, if you don’t know anyone at the school you choose — to ensure that the person you’re sparring with stays in control and responsible for going light.

Definitely sharing and going to support you. For those of us who don’t have Hulu +, is it on regular Hulu so we can follow along and be one step closer to fame ourselves? I’m claiming bragging rights with my friends already.

Dino Dogan gave you a shout and frankly, Dino doesn’t ask for much, so it’s the least I can do. 1 question though, Do you get to test drive any of the uhm, models before you hand out the roses? Give ’em hell and break a send key.

Best of luck to you! Dumb question – Ford Motor Company? While you have their attention, ask them to start making family cars for Fur Parents 🙂

I’ve never heard of this and will definitely keep an eye out. It’s pretty exciting. Although everyone has a QR Code, Facebook page, and Twitter account, I sometimes wonder if people really get the power of social media.

I got yoru email and wasn’t quite sure what you were trying to get yourself in to. Don’t have any suggestions for a real embarrassing video but I’m sure that after wearing the wig, the sunglasses, and the bling to a volleyball tournament with 100’s of onlookers, embarrassing yourself is not a problem!! I’ll have to check out the show. Good luck.